Congressional Letter Urges Action on Medicare Payment Fixes

The Florida Society of Rheumatology (FSR) recently supported a bipartisan effort in Congress to address impending cuts to Medicare payments under the proposed 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). A letter, signed by 233 members of Congress, was sent to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging swift legislative action to prevent a 2.8% reduction in payments to physicians and clinicians.

This cut, scheduled for January 2025, marks the fifth consecutive year of reductions under the MPFS, which has caused significant strain on healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The letter highlights the growing gap between Medicare reimbursements and the rising costs of running medical practices, threatening patient access to care and the sustainability of independent practices.

Congress is being urged to pass legislation that provides an inflationary update to Medicare payments, reflecting the true costs of care. FSR stands with lawmakers advocating for these reforms, which are essential to maintain quality healthcare and ensure access for Medicare beneficiaries.

Key recommendations include adjusting budget neutrality thresholds, reviewing practice expense costs regularly, and limiting cuts to the conversion factor. Legislative action is crucial before the 118th Congress concludes to prevent further instability in the healthcare system.